England versus Scotland is the oldest rivalry in international sport but it is lesser spotted in 3x3 basketball.

That did not mean it was any less intense when the two rival nations met in the women’s competition at Glasgow 2026.

All eight players know each other well but friendships were cast aside for 10 frenetic minutes of action, which ultimately saw Team England triumph 14-9.

It was a hard-fought battle, with the English quartet of Shanice Beckford-Norton, Cheridene Green, Katie Januszewska, and Georgia Gayle happy to grind it out and silence the home crowd at the SEC Centre.

It was the perfect follow up to their opening 22-7 win over Singapore as Team England enjoyed a successful day on court.

The men’s team of Jamell Anderson, Evan Walshe, Dwayne Lautier-Ogunleye, and Ashley Hamilton started with a thrilling 22-16 win over Jamaica, before beating Fiji 21-13.

Both sides had been made to wait to take the court but Beckford-Norton insisted it was worth it after waiting four years since winning silver at Birmingham 2022.

“It was a great feeling to finally be back out there competing,” she said.

“I was a little envious watching all the other sports get started, but it's been amazing just seeing everyone compete and perform.

“Around the hotel, everyone is wishing each other luck. There are competitions everywhere, highlights on the TVs when we get back, and a real sense of excitement.

This is elite sport, this is where it's at. It was definitely worth the wait.”

Beckford-Norton led the way in a physical encounter, that saw both sides go right to the edge with six fouls each.

Scotland continued to stay in touch throughout until Gayle landed a two-pointer to push Team England decisively ahead with a minute to play.

Gayle and team-mate Januszewska are both making their Commonwealth debuts, and the latter was thrilled to be experiencing the big stage.

Januszewska said: “Making my debut at this level means a lot. There are so many experienced players around the team, and it's great to be able to learn from them.

“I'm really enjoying the experience and just trying to take everything in.

“The atmosphere was fantastic. That's what basketball is all about. It's exciting to play in front of a crowd like that.

“We could still hear our England supporters as well, which was nice.”